What Is Tinnitus and How Can It Be Treated?

Are you hearing an annoying ringing, buzzing, or clicking sound in your ear? If so, odds are that you’re experiencing tinnitus. You’re not alone – tinnitus is a common condition that impacts millions of Canadian adults each year.

Tinnitus can disrupt your daily life and make working and sleeping feel like impossible tasks. It may impact one or both ears. For some, tinnitus is only a temporary inconvenience that occurs after they’ve been around loud noises, like a rock concert. But for others, it can be persistent. Fortunately, there are ways to manage it.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is often caused by loud noise exposure. This could be exposure to a sudden loud noise like an explosion or a firearm, or it could be from continuous exposure to loud noises over time.

Earwax buildup may also cause tinnitus that resolves when the wax is cleared. Or tinnitus can be caused by certain medications or conditions like otosclerosis (gradual hearing loss due to fused bones in the ears) or Meniere’s disease (a disorder that causes severe vertigo in one ear).

Prevent tinnitus by protecting your ears from loud noises. If you work in an industry that requires you to be around loud sounds regularly, be sure to wear hearing protection. When using headphones, make sure the volume is at a safe level.

How Can I Manage Tinnitus?

While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are ways to manage it and alleviate the symptoms. Since up to 90 percent of tinnitus cases happen with an already existing hearing loss problem, the best thing you can do to manage tinnitus is invest in professional hearing care.

Hearing aids may benefit some people with tinnitus who also have hearing loss, and masking devices can provide help by making the ringing less noticeable. Individuals suffering from persistent tinnitus may also benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). There are many online groups and forums that offer support. If you’re suffering from tinnitus, stay positive – though it can be frustrating and difficult to deal with, there are many treatment options that can help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Tinnitus Treatment in Windsor, Ontario

Here at Dion Hearing Centre, our team can help you manage your tinnitus symptoms with professional hearing healthcare. We understand that hearing care is never one-size-fits-all. That’s why we’re committed to working with you to develop a treatment plan that is customized to your needs.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of tinnitus or hearing loss, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Left untreated, your symptoms may worsen. Our office is open every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can reach us at (226) 674-1127. Or complete this form to request an appointment, and a friendly member of our team will be in touch.